Story perspectives

FTC Sues Ticketmaster for Ticket Scalping and Deceptive Pricing

9/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The FTC and seven states have sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation for allegedly allowing scalpers to buy and resell tickets unlawfully, violating the Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act).
The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster of misleading consumers with deceptive pricing, advertising lower prices while concealing fees that raised costs by up to 44%.
Internal documents show Ticketmaster knew brokers were bypassing ticket limits but did not enforce them to boost profits.
The FTC seeks civil penalties and monetary relief, stating these practices harm artists and consumers by reducing access to live events.
This lawsuit follows a 2024 DOJ antitrust case against the companies for monopolistic practices in ticketing.

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Story summary

The FTC and seven states have sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation for allegedly allowing scalpers to buy and resell tickets unlawfully, violating the Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act).
The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster of misleading consumers with deceptive pricing, advertising lower prices while concealing fees that raised costs by up to 44%.
Internal documents show Ticketmaster knew brokers were bypassing ticket limits but did not enforce them to boost profits.
The FTC seeks civil penalties and monetary relief, stating these practices harm artists and consumers by reducing access to live events.
This lawsuit follows a 2024 DOJ antitrust case against the companies for monopolistic practices in ticketing.